Every home has a few items that make movers pause: the upright piano in the front room, the solid oak wardrobe, the American-style fridge freezer or the heavy safe in the study. These awkward items need more planning, more people and sometimes specialist equipment. When you book a house removal company London households rely on, telling them about these items early is the most important thing you can do.
Why Awkward Items Need Planning
Awkward items are usually heavy, fragile, oddly shaped or all three. In London, the challenge is often made harder by narrow hallways, steep staircases, tight turns and limited parking. Without planning, these items can damage walls, floors and banisters, or cause injury. With planning, they are moved safely and efficiently.
Pianos
Pianos are heavy, top-heavy and delicate inside. Upright pianos are usually moved upright on a specialist trolley, with the keyboard lid locked and the case protected. Grand pianos are more complex: the legs and pedal lyre are typically removed and the body is placed on its side on a padded board. Steps and stairs need careful planning, and some piano moves are best handled by specialists. After the move, it is usually advised to let the piano settle in its new environment before having it tuned.
Large Wardrobes
Solid wood wardrobes can be very heavy and too tall for modern staircases. Many can be partly dismantled, by removing doors, cornices, plinths and internal shelves. Older or antique wardrobes may be held together with traditional joints, so they should only be taken apart by someone experienced. Measure your new staircase and room height before moving day. Tall wardrobes that fitted beneath high Victorian ceilings may not stand upright in a modern home with lower ceilings.
American-Style Fridge Freezers
Large fridge freezers are heavy, bulky and often wider than standard doorways. Measure every door and turn on the route at both properties, removing doors from their hinges if necessary. Empty and defrost the appliance at least a day before. After the move, many manufacturers recommend leaving the fridge upright for a period before switching it on, so check your manual. If it has a plumbed-in water dispenser, it may need to be disconnected and reconnected by a qualified person.
Safes
Home safes can be extremely heavy for their size, and some are bolted to floors or walls. Tell your removal company the size, weight and fixing method in advance, and arrange for any bolts to be removed beforehand. If you are leaving a fixed safe behind, check whether it is listed in your sale contract. Empty the safe completely and keep the contents with you during the move. Very heavy safes may also need floor protection and extra people, especially on stairs.
Other Awkward Items
| Item | Key Consideration |
| Corner and modular sofas | Separate sections and remove legs where possible |
| Glass and marble tables | Remove tops and crate or pad them separately |
| Gym equipment | Dismantle treadmills and weights benches, secure loose parts |
| Large mirrors and artwork | Corner protection, picture boxes and upright transport |
| Garden statues and planters | Very heavy, may need extra people or equipment |
| Hot tubs | Usually need a specialist team and equipment |
Protecting Your Home During the Move
Moving heavy and awkward items carries the greatest risk of damage to the property itself. Professional teams protect floors with coverings, pad door frames and banisters, and plan the route carefully before lifting. In London homes with original features, such as tiled hallways and decorative banisters, this protection is especially important. Point out any vulnerable areas during the walk-through.
When to Leave an Item Behind
Sometimes the most practical answer is not to move an item at all. If a huge wardrobe will not fit the new home, a piano is no longer played or an old fridge freezer is near the end of its life, selling, donating or recycling it may be the better option. Making this decision before moving day saves time and effort.
How to Prepare for Awkward Items
- List them at the survey, with sizes, weights and locations in the house.
- Measure the route at both properties: doors, stairs, turns and lifts.
- Clear the path of rugs, pictures and furniture on moving day.
- Arrange any disconnections for plumbed or wired appliances in advance.
- Ask whether a specialist is needed for pianos, hot tubs or very heavy items.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a house removal company move a piano?
Many can move upright pianos. Grand pianos and difficult access may need a specialist piano mover, so ask in advance.
2. How long should a fridge freezer stand before switching on?
Check the manufacturer’s manual, as recommendations vary. Many advise leaving it upright for a period before use.
3. What if my wardrobe will not fit up the stairs?
It may be possible to dismantle it. If not, alternatives include a different route or specialist lifting.
4. Can removal companies move safes?
Some can, depending on size and weight. Provide full details at the survey and remove any fixings beforehand.
5. Why should I mention awkward items early?
So the company can plan the right crew, equipment and time, and protect your home on the day.
Awkward Items Handled by Shaheen Express Removals
Shaheen Express Removals has been helping London families move for more than 20 years, including the heavy, fragile and awkward items that need extra care. Our fully insured, DBS-checked team offers house and furniture removals, packing and secure storage, and will talk you through the best approach for each item at the survey. We are rated 5.0 stars from 444 Google reviews.
Talk to a house removal company London families trust with their most awkward items. Call +44 7903 494502 or email shaheenexpressremovals@gmail.com to talk through your move.
